breakdown

I know this probably gets asked a lot but, besides the motor, what are the differences between the Carrera and Carrera S? Is the body more agressive? Are the brakes and suspension better?

alexb76

Come on... please don't make BC folks look bad... just review Porsche website and do some search, you will find your most of what you asked is answered.

THEN, if you want opinions on options on either cars, we can help!

Cheers!

Mike in CA

Go here and choose "compare models". There are a number of differences besides just the engine. The Canadian site doesn't appear to have the compare feature but the US site should give you the general idea.

http://www.porsche.com/usa/

ADias

In a nutshell:

Carrera: 3.6l engine, mechanical fixed suspension, halogen headlights, 18" rims, oval exhaust pipes.

Carrera S: 3.8l engine, PASM (active) suspension, bi-xenon headlights, 19" rims, dual exhaust pipes, bigger red caliper brakes.

2005 to 2008 models are known as 997.1. 2009-on models are known as 997.2.

997.2 models were significantly updated, with a new DFI engine of a new design.

Mike in CA

Since intro of the 997.2 brakes have been mechanically identical on standard Carrera and S.....

LlBr

That's good. I don't think Porsche should sell the "same" cars with one having less effective brakes while making the version with better brakes cost more. Safety shouldn't be "optional." FWIW=2cents

bdiamond001

Does the S have a short shift. I've noticed it is much different than the 996 Carrera

At Law

No, the "S" does not have a standard short shift. It is a factory option
on both the non S and S cars.

A nice option, I must say.

Also, regarding exhaust, the dual exhaust pipes on the "S" are for aesthetic purpses only and do not change the sound.
In order to get the louder, meaner exhaust, you must get the PSE (Porsche Sport Exhaust). It is available on both the non S and the S.

And, once again, another very, very nice option.

stubenhocker

the non S versions now have Xenons as std on 997.2

ADias

Mike: even on the 997.2 the brakes are not the same. The S has thicker disks (same diam) and different larger calipers.

Mike in CA

ADias, after further reasearch I concede your point, at least for the front brakes. The standard rear brakes have been upgraded in diameter and thickness to the same spec as the Turbo brakes, which I think puts them on par with the S. You have probably seen this, but for other's benefit, here is some info on brakes from the Porsche 2009 Technik Introduction of the Carrera models.

Brake system
To meet the high requirements with regard to the braking performance of a
Porsche, all new 911 models also have a brake system that is optimally designed
to suit the relevant vehicle features. The brake systems can be identified visually
according to the familiar system. The standard brake system of the 911 models
with a 3.6-liter engine features black brake calipers, while the standard brake system
of the S models (3.8-liter engine) comes with red brake calipers and the optional
ceramic brake system Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) has
yellow brake calipers.
Standard brake system – 911 Carrera/Carrera 4
The brake system for the new 911 models with 3.6-liter engine has been completely
redesigned. Apart from the larger brake discs on the front and rear axle as well as
additional active ventilation of the brakes on the rear axle, the main feature of the
new generation of brakes are the completely redesigned brake callipers on the front
axle.
Front axle brake
The diameters of the cross-drilled and internally vented brake discs on the front
axle have been increased to 330 mm. The 4-piston aluminum fixed calipers are
completely new. Their shape was designed specifically for improved rear ventilation
with greater dissipation of heat. This improves braking performance and results
in greater stability. To further improve braking performance, the brake pad area is
now approx. 10% larger.
Rear axle brake
The diameters of the cross-drilled and internally vented brake discs on the rear
axle have been increased to 330 mm. For improved braking performance, the new
models feature the reinforced 4-piston aluminum fixed calipers used on the
911 Turbo.
Brake cooling
Brake cooling on the front axle has been improved by using larger brake air spoilers
on the front control arms.
The brakes on the rear axle are ventilated via additional openings in the
underbody paneling, a flow channel as well as the brake air spoiler on the diagonal
control arm.
Brake master cylinder
In order to guarantee an optimum pedal feel with a precise working point, the
diameters of the brake master cylinder have been increased to 25.4 mm.
Standard brake system – 911 Carrera S/S4
The new S models with 3.8-liter engine have inherited the proven, high-performance
and reinforced brake system used in the previous models. To adapt to the improved
driving performance, brake ventilation on the front axle has been improved through
the use of larger brake air spoilers (as on the 911 Turbo) and active brake ventilation
on the rear axle was also introduced.

More from the Porsche web site:

Porsche brakes are renowned for their stopping power, setting the standards for deceleration and stability. They are designed to cope with extreme forces such as those experienced during hard braking.

The brake calipers have a monobloc aluminum construction. This makes them tough but light and enables a rapid response and release of the brake. The pedal travel is short and easy to modulate.

On the 911 Carrera models, the front and rear axles are host to a new generation of brakes with anodized black, four-piston aluminum monobloc calipers. The brake calipers are now even stiffer thanks to their closed-type design. The brake disc diameters are larger: 330 mm front and rear and the rear brake discs are 4 mm thicker – for even better braking performance.

The S models have four-piston aluminum monobloc calipers that are larger, reinforced and have a striking red painted finish. The front axle has larger brake pads and thicker brake discs.

All models have cross-drilled brake discs ensuring optimum braking in the wet. The discs are internally vented for rapid heat dispersal.

Other features include a powerful 10-inch brake booster for reducing pedal effort in the rear-drive models and integral air spoilers for enhanced air flow in the brake cooling ducts.

alexb76

So, the base Carrera brakes got more improvements than the S version.

afridi

The brakes on the 3.6 gen II car are a closed caliper design. They are not the top loaders like the ones on the S. So if you are into switching pads, for example on the track, its going to be a pain. guess how i know.

Mike in CA

The S brakes are apparently still superior, but yeah, they closed the gap. When you figure that the performance of the new DFI base car is almost equal to the previous S, I guess that makes sense.

Trader220

There is nothing unsafe about the brakes on the base car that’s a really ridiculous statement. The only place you're going to tax the abilities of either brakes is on the track and in no way is one a compromise in safety